certificate in horticulture - landscaping and garden design

This 700 hour course is designed specifically as training for people who want to work in the landscape industry; as a designer, contractor or in landscape construction. It is suitable both for people who want to start their own business and for anyone seeking work with an established landscape enterprise.

The Garden Design Academy is run by experienced garden designers and landscapers passionate about passing on their knowledge to a new generation. It draws on decades of industry experience to offer a range of courses tailored to the needs of the modern professional.

This course develops skills in general horticulture, plant identification and use, landscape design, costing and construction, features and landscape business management.

To become a professional landscaper or garden designer it is important to learn how plants grow, how to identify them, how to care for them. If you have limited plant knowledge you cannot build or design a workable garden.

This qualification goes beyond the study of landscaping as the first half of the course provides you with broad horticultural knowledge to underpin your education. This keeps your options open for the future as well as giving you an 'edge' in the landscaping field where most employees or contractors do not possess this knowledge.

Water Features.
Planning a Water Garden;
Types of Water Gardens;
Water Quality, depth, area, safety etc.
Water Effects;
Finishing Touches to a Water Garden;
Fountains

Garden Art: Statues, Sundials and Figurines
Garden Rooms: How to Design a Garden Room, What to put in a Garden Room
Positioning Garden Art;
Painting in the Garden;
Pots
Sculpture and Statues;
Outdoor Furniture

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the Academy, marked by the Academy's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Working with Colin Elliott, an experienced professional horticulturist, landscaper and garden designer, these courses are your route to a successful furture in the industry of landscaping and garden design.